This semester, I’ve been teaching students about how to read Scripture missionally. Reading the Bible missionally involves approaching the Scriptures with a focus on God’s overarching mission to redeem and restore the world through Christ. This perspective emphasizes the narrative of salvation history and God’s intent to bless all nations, as seen throughout the biblical ..read more

Americans now treat culture as a sacred creed. This sacralization of culture in American society has led to a notable shift in the social dynamics of the country (as I shared in my previous post). As cultural identity ascends to a place of sacrosanct significance, it fosters a robust in-group loyalty that is double-edged. When ..read more

In contemporary American society, a striking phenomenon has emerged: the sacralization of culture and cultural identity. To put it more directly, culture has become a religion. Cultural identity has become a religious identity. Cultural and ethnic identities have ascended to positions of reverence and unassailable authority in the lives of many individuals. This shift is ..read more

Here are 10 ways that honor and shame manifest in various aspects of American life. What would you add to the list ..read more

The Western church finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. With society becoming ever more individualistic, the church must grapple with the implications of this societal shift on its congregants, doctrines, and mission. The church, historically rooted in community and shared beliefs, faces challenges in maintaining its foundational values in an era where the individual reigns ..read more

The concept of “name” in modern Western contexts has largely been reduced to a matter of personal identity or a mere label that stands for one’s reputation or achievement. However, diving into the depth of biblical narratives, particularly in passages like Genesis 12:1-3, reveals that the idea of a “name” encompasses much more. When God ..read more

The following is a guest post based on Matthew Bennett’s Amazon review of Donald McGavran’s famous Bridges of God. Matt (Ph.D., SEBTS) is an Assistant Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University in Cedarville, OH. Prior to taking this post, he and his family lived in North Africa and the Middle East for seven ..read more

The relationship between individualism and polarization is undeniable but nuanced. Individualism champions personal freedom and autonomy. But it inadvertently breeds social fragmentation, especially where competition is rife and differences are amplified. Moreover, the emphasis on an achieved identity, where personal accomplishments and choices form the bedrock of one’s self-definition, can unwittingly bolster polarization. The fear ..read more

Identity is an intricate mosaic, shaped by myriad influences. As we navigate our understanding of identity, we often grapple with the dynamic interplay between individualism and collectivism. Both perspectives carry inherent value and limitations, and it’s essential to recognize that their implications are not just theoretical. They have real-world consequences that shape our interpersonal relationships ..read more

The dramatic narrative of the Revelation narrative presents a peculiar theology of “conquest” and redemption that has profound implications for the church’s mission. Revelation 5:9 encapsulates a critical shift from the ancient Passover to a global narrative, affirming that the scope of Christ’s kingdom is as boundless as humanity itself. Victory Through Sacrifice: The Logic ..read more